EXCLUSIVE: Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel Lands Bigger Band Room, New Booker

Sydney's Lansdowne Hotel is set to get a new-look band room under new owners Oscars as Nathan Farrell Entertainment have been drafted in to begin booking the venue from 1 April.

Oscars, the group who bought the Annandale Hotel last year, bought the venue earlier this year. Since then Oscars have, consulting with NFE, installed a new lighting rig and PA and there are plans to expand the room from 200 capacity to 300.

As part of the room improvements the pokies will be moved to a separate move in the back of the venue and a wall behind the bar knocked down to widen the stage. The intention is to return the room to the 'island bar' layout that was last seen during the '80s and '90s.

At this stage there is no confirmation of any down-time to carry out the renovations.

“I've long felt that Sydney has lacked a workable room of this size and considering its location, plus the cosmetic and production improvements we're making, I feel this room will be a real contender,” NFE owner Nathan Farrell said today.

“We're certainly not limiting ourselves to sticky carpet rock or suburban metal but rather are aiming for a kind of neo-Hopetoun by way of cultivating a room that will nurture and support Sydney's live music scene – both emerging and established.”

The venue will be booked by NFE's Josef Muller, who said “I'm thrilled to be taking point on this one. All history aside, this is pure and simply a great room and we're looking forward to filling it with great bands.”

As well as the Lansdowne, NFE book The Basement, Jam Gallery and program the Newtown Festival.

In 2013 the Lansdowne closed due to structural damage caused by a fire and it was officially relaunched in October. It has been in its current incarnation since 1933.